Less than three weeks to early voting!

Over the past two weekends, I’ve knocked on more than 150 doors and spoken with countless neighbors - in our downtowns, on our sidewalks, and at community gatherings. Across every conversation, I’ve heard the same deep concern: our country and our democracy are at risk.

Teachers, healthcare workers, researchers, contractors, housing advocates, and nonprofit leaders have all shared how national instability is shaking their fields and straining their ability to serve others. I’ve heard horror and heartbreak, including specific concerns about the use of military helicopters in ICE raids in Chicago, about racist and dehumanizing messages being pushed through official government channels, and about the crippling effects of the shutdown and current policies on families, public health, and higher education. Some have even shared that they are considering leaving the country.

These are real, urgent, and justified fears. I share them. But I also want to highlight something powerful that I didn’t hear.

I didn’t hear about the loss of hope in our communities. While some may be truly scratching their heads over how some of the local residents seem to be supporting actions being taken in DC, from what I am seeing, our belief in our community and our ability to get along with our neighbors is (mostly) intact and strong. Despite the anxiety, despite the anger, I saw people express hope for and pride in their neighborhoods. Most people still believe in the active part of community - in showing up for one another, in talking to neighbors even when we disagree, in working side by side to make our towns stronger.

Read more here.